Honorable mention
During the winter, all wired crews test their ski clothes almost constantly. Here are a few other items we like.
Hestra Fall Line 3-finger Gloves $165: I have long admired Hestra's gloves from across the lift line and were impressed by the elegant stitchwork and thoughtful design of the Swedish company. This is the year I finally started trying out pairs for myself, and the fall line is exactly what they look like. Available in 6 sizes, it can fit perfectly into this glove. The cowhide is buttery and has already broken a little after five days of use. A wrist strap means you don't have to worry about dropping the gloves off the lift when checking your phone, and it's extremely warm without sweating. If you sweat, the lining is removable so you can wash the leather without damaging it. – Martin Sismer
Outdoor Research Snowflake Shop Pants $229: These outdoor research ski pants have all the necessary functions (mesh gaiter, zipper pockets, thigh vents) and are not needed. They are made from a fabric called benchers that is breathable and relatively waterproof, yet soft at the same time. The fit is bulky, but there is a tab that adjusts the waist so unless you choose, you don't really relive the limp and limp days of snow sports. Khaki-Adjacent Bronze Color complements almost any color. I hadn't thought about these pants at all on the slope for two days. This is truly an experience you'd like to have in ski pants. – Martin Sismer
Seniq Powder Puff Down Jacket costs $498 and BIB costs $398: Seniq is another all-female outdoor brand released in 2024. It styles a little more More Gen Z, leaning towards fun colours blocking the monochromatic look. The Seniq Powder Puff Down Jacket has a dry touch finish. This is intended for dry days in the mountains, but the PFC-free DWR coating and YKK Aquaguard zipper provide water resistance. The asymmetrical front zipper helps avoid jaw friction when the jacket is completely zipped. Also, the cool asymmetric quilted lines, side pocket pockets that provide access to the bib (the bib has a pocket on the front, so you can get in there without thawing the jacket), an oversized removable hood, a pass pocket on the forearm, a soft, stretchy wrist gamer, and a large internal pocket that can handle the sandwich perfectly. This jacket was warm, pillowy and comforting, like a very soft embrace.
The silky shelbib is slightly barrel cut, giving it a flattering shape that cannot be attached. The adjustable racer back-style straps and waist (with elastic waist) also offer excellent shape and breathability. There are two pockets on the front chest, a leg pocket, two-way zip thigh vents and a butt zipper for bathroom rest. These fit easily into my boots and the cramping guards looked nice. With its durable 3-layer membrane and a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm, these can withstand any weather that mountains throw at you. When they wore them on a wet, snowy day, they took off the beads and removed the moisture well. – Christine canned food
Mammut Sender in a $260 hooded jacket: This puffy hoodie is a great knit under the shell jacket. The insulation is made of recycled rope scrap and the exterior is coated with a DWR coating that does not contain wind-resistant PFC. The hem falls down to the waist, and the high collar and tight hood continue to cover most of the face. I like to wear this piece under a snowboard shell, but it's a solid, multipurpose investment as it can also bring out double obligations as a comfortable hiking or camping jacket. It's very lightweight and warm, but from a volume perspective, it's on the bulky side for the mid-tier and isn't the most packable piece. – Christine canned food
Helly Hansen evolved Air Half Zip for $112: This fleece pullover has a waffle-like texture that traps heat and induces moisture. The high zippered collar and engraved hem allow for a more airtight or breathable fit. This middle layer felt wonderfully lightweight, while keeping my toast. It wasn't bulky at all, just a little thicker than the base layer, and was comfortable under my jacket and moved with me in the mountains. – Christine canned food
Helly Hansen Lifa Base Lay uses a long sleeve crew for $88 and pants for $88. These basic layers fall into the weight sweet spot. They are not too thick or thin, but they are just right. They are slightly looser than the other options on this list, so if you prefer something that doesn't fit that well, these are great choices (but be aware that they run longer). These combine Merino wool with Helly Hansen's Lifa fibers to add moisture absorption. They are soft, lightweight, warm and do not catch the smell. I love the cute design and how much I adjust my temperature under an insulated jacket or trousers. I dig a little at the waist but it doesn't roll, stays in place and moves well. – Christine canned food